PREPARE RAISED BEDS

After necessary fertilizer elements have been added, prepare raised beds.
In most Texas areas, plant vegetables on raised beds to allow water to
drain away from plant roots, provide furrows for irrigation, allow air to
enter the soil, help plants through periods of high rainfall and allow for
the use of plastic mulches which can pre-heat spring garden soil.

If the garden is large enough, make beds 36 inches apart from center to
center. When space is a problem, vegetables can be planted in beds closer
than 36 inches, but more care is required during the growing season.

Use a shovel or rake to pull the soil up into beds 8 to 10 inches high.
Pack the beds or allow them to settle before planting. Before planting,
level the top of the bed and widen it to about 8-10 inches. Plant rows
of vegetables on top of the beds.